Type of fatty acids in maternal diets during pregnancy and/or lactation and metabolic consequences of the offspring

Significance of successive feeding of sources of n-3 fatty acids to broiler breeders and their progeny on growth performance, intestinal lesion scores, lymphoid organs weight and plasma immunoglobulin A in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria

The study examined the effects of successive feeding of sources of n-3 PUFA to broiler breeders (BB) and their progeny in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. The BB were fed: 1) control (CON), corn-soybean meal diet, 2) CON + 1 % microalgae (DMA), as a source of DHA and 3) CON + 2.50% co-extruded full fat flaxseed (FFF), as a source of ALA. Eggs were hatched at 34, 44, and 54 wk of age. Posthatch treatments (BB-progeny) were: CON-CON, DMA-CON, FFF-CON, DMA-DMA and FFF-FFF with diets formulated for starter (d 1-10) and grower/finisher (d 11-42) phases. All chicks were orally challenged with Eimeria (E. acervulina and E. maxima) on d 10. Relative to CON, DMA and FFF increased concentration of n-3 PUFA by ≥ 2-fold in hatching eggs and progeny diets. There were no (P > 0.05) interactions between treatment and BB age on d 0 to 10 growth. In general, BB age affected (P < 0.05) growth performance throughout the study. In the starter phase, successive exposure to DHA and ALA improved FCR over CON-CON (P < 0.01). The interaction between treatment and BB age in grower/finisher was such that DHA exposure to younger BB resulted in poor growth performance (P < 0.05) relative to exposure to older BB. In contrast, exposure to ALA had similar (P > 0.05) growth performance irrespective of BB age. Moreover, successive exposure to ALA resulted in higher BWG, breast weight and lower FCR compared to successive exposure to DHA (P < 0.05). There were no (P > 0.05) interactions between treatment and BB age on the intestinal lesion scores, lymphoid organ weights and concentration of plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA). Successive exposure to DHA resulted in higher (P = 0.006) jejunal lesion scores than CON-CON birds. The results showed that successive exposure of DHA and ALA improved FCR relative to non-exposed birds in the starter phase. However, responses in the grower/finisher phase depended on n-3 PUFA type, with birds on successive ALA exposure supporting better growth and breast yield than birds on successive DHA exposure.

Maternal dietary fatty acid composition and content prior to and during pregnancy and lactation influences serum profile, liver phenotype and hepatic miRNA expression in young male and female offspring

This study aimed to investigate whether modifying the pre-gestational lipid content could mitigate metabolic damage in offspring from dams exposed to a high-fat (HF) diet before conception and during pregnancy and lactation, with a focus on sex-specific outcomes. Specific effects of maternal normolipidic diets on offspring were also assessed. Female Wistar rats received control (C) or HF diets before conception. During pregnancy and lactation, females were distributed in five groups: C-C, HF-HF, HF-C, HF-saturated (HF-S) or HF-polyunsaturated n-3 group (HF-P). Saturated and PUFA n-3 diets were normolipidic. In 21-day-old offspring, corporal parameters, adiposity, serum metabolites, OGTT, liver phenotype, and miR-34a-5p hepatic expression were determined. Pre-gestational HF diet impaired glycemic response in females, independent of any change in body weight. Female and male offspring from dams continuously exposed to HF diet exhibited hyperglycemia, increased adiposity, and disrupted serum lipid profiles. Male offspring showed increased hepatic fat accumulation and miR-34a-5p expression. Shifting maternal dietary lipid content to normolipidic diets restored offspring's phenotype; however, decreased SIRT1, IRβ and IRS1 expression in offspring from dams exposed to HF diet before conception suggested early indicators of glucose metabolism damage. Our findings indicated a pronounced metabolic impact on males. In conclusion, glucose tolerance impairment in females before conception disturbed intrauterine environment, influencing in offspring's phenotype. Modifying maternal dietary lipid content mitigated effects of pre-gestational HF diet exposure on young offspring. Nevertheless, decreased hepatic levels of critical insulin signaling proteins indicated that independently of the maternal diet, pre-existing HF diet-induced glucose intolerance before conception may adversely program the offspring's phenotype.

Trans isomeric fatty acids in human milk and their role in infant health and development

It is well known that long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) play an important role in neurodevelopment in the perinatal life. The most important source of these fatty acids is the diet, however, they can also be formed in the human body from their shorter chain precursors, the essential fatty acids. Since the WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months after birth, the exclusive source of these fatty acids for breastfed infants is human milk, which can be influenced by the mother's diet. Unsaturated fatty acids can have either cis or trans configuration double bond in their chain with distinct physiological effects. Cis isomeric unsaturated fatty acids have several beneficial effects, while trans isomers are mostly detrimental, because of their similar structure to saturated fatty acids. Trans fatty acids (TFAs) can be further subdivided into industrial (iTFA) and ruminant-derived trans fatty acids (rTFA). However, the physiological effects of these two TFA subgroups may differ. In adults, dietary intake of iTFA has been linked to atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, obesity, chronic inflammation, and increased development of certain cancers, among other diseases. However, iTFAs can have a negative impact on health not only in adulthood but in childhood too. Results from previous studies have shown that iTFAs have a significant negative effect on LCPUFA levels in the blood of newborns and infants. In addition, iTFAs can affect the growth and development of infants, and animal studies suggest that they might even have lasting negative effects later in life. Since the only source of TFAs in the human body is the diet, the TFA content of breast milk may determine the TFA supply of breastfed infants and thus affect the levels of LCPUFAs important for neurodevelopment and the health of infants. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the TFA content in human milk available in the literature and their potential effects on infant health and development.

A multi-tissue metabolome atlas of primate pregnancy

Pregnancy induces dramatic metabolic changes in females; yet, the intricacies of this metabolic reprogramming remain poorly understood, especially in primates. Using cynomolgus monkeys, we constructed a comprehensive multi-tissue metabolome atlas, analyzing 273 samples from 23 maternal tissues during pregnancy. We discovered a decline in metabolic coupling between tissues as pregnancy progressed. Core metabolic pathways that were rewired during primate pregnancy included steroidogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, and arachidonic acid metabolism. Our atlas revealed 91 pregnancy-adaptive metabolites changing consistently across 23 tissues, whose roles we verified in human cell models and patient samples. Corticosterone and palmitoyl-carnitine regulated placental maturation and maternal tissue progenitors, respectively, with implications for maternal preeclampsia, diabetes, cardiac hypertrophy, and muscle and liver regeneration. Moreover, we found that corticosterone deficiency induced preeclampsia-like inflammation, indicating the atlas's potential clinical value. Overall, our multi-tissue metabolome atlas serves as a framework for elucidating the role of metabolic regulation in female health during pregnancy.

Nutritional Status of Breastfeeding Mothers and Impact of Diet and Dietary Supplementation: A Narrative Review

Adequate nutrition during breastfeeding is crucial for ensuring the good health of mothers and babies. Despite the high energy and nutrient demands of breastfeeding, lactating women are often vulnerable from a nutritional perspective. The nutritional focus during breastfeeding tends to be on the newborn, often neglecting the mother's diet. Therefore, in the present narrative review, nutrient intakes were compared with the dietary reference values (DRVs) proposed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as well as by the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO). In the diets of lactating mothers, dietary inadequacies were observed in the intake of some vitamins, such as folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin A, and vitamin D, and in the intake of certain minerals like calcium, iron, and iodine; polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies, primarily in eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, were also observed. On the other hand, the debate on the necessity of supplementation during lactation continues; the need for nutritional supplementation during lactation depends on many factors, such us mothers' eating habits. There seems to be a positive association between nutritional supplementation of the lactating mother and the concentration of certain nutrients in human milk. The present narrative review provides an update on the nutritional status (fatty acids and micronutrients) of breastfeeding mothers and the impact of diet and dietary supplementation on human milk composition.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine": maternal vitamin D status and supplementation in pregnancy and their effect on neonatal and childhood outcomes

Vitamin D (VD) plays a crucial role in regulating calcium homeostasis, while the wealth of its pleiotropic actions is gaining increasing research interest. Sufficient VD concentrations are of clinical relevance, particularly in the context of physiological alterations, such as those occurring during pregnancy when maternal VD is the sole source for the developing fetus. As a result, inadequate VD concentrations in pregnancy have been associated with perinatal complications and adverse neonatal outcomes, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, increased rates of cesarean section, low birth weight, small-for-gestational-age infants, poor immune and skeletal growth, allergies, and respiratory infections. Over the past few decades, several observational studies have underlined the important role of maternal VD in the neural, musculoskeletal, and psychomotor growth and bone health of the offspring. However, the complexity of the factors involved in regulating and assessing VD homeostasis, including race, sun exposure, dietary habits, and laboratory measurement techniques, makes the interpretation of relevant research findings challenging. The aim of this narrative review is to summarize the evidence on the importance of VD in maintaining optimal health during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.

Long-chain n-3 PUFA given before and throughout gestation and lactation in rats prevent high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in male offspring in a tissue-specific manner

This study investigated whether long-chain n-3 PUFA (LC n-3 PUFA) given to pregnant rats fed a high-fat (HF) diet may prevent fetal programming in male offspring at adulthood. Six weeks before mating, and throughout gestation and lactation, female nulliparous Sprague-Dawley rats were given a chow (C) diet, HF (60·6 % fat from maize, rapeseed oils and lard) or HF in which one-third of fat was replaced by fish oil (HF n-3). At weaning, the three offspring groups were randomly separated in two groups fed C diet, or HF without LC n-3 PUFA, for 7 weeks until adulthood. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test both at weaning and at adulthood. Insulin signalling was determined in liver, muscle and adipose tissue by quantification of the phosphorylation of Akt on Ser 473 at adulthood. At weaning, as at adulthood, offspring from HF-fed dams were obese and displayed glucose intolerance (GI) and insulin resistance (IR), but not those from HFn-3 fed dams. Following the post-weaning C diet, phosphorylation of Akt was strongly reduced in all tissues of offspring from HF dams, but to a lesser extent in liver and muscle of offspring from HFn-3 dams. However, it was abolished in all tissues of all offspring groups fed the HF post-weaning diet. Thus, LC n-3 PUFA introduced in a HF in dams partially prevented the transmission of GI and IR in adult offspring even though they were fed without LC n-3 PUFA from weaning.

Fatty Acid Composition of a Maternal Diet and Erythrocyte Phospholipid Status in Latvian Pregnant Women

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Dietary fats are essential for maternal and fetal health. Fatty acids (FAs) in erythrocytes characterize the FA profile, which is influenced by diet and other factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the main FAs in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids and their influencing factors-dietary fat and supplement intake and lifestyle factors-in Latvian pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study included 236 pregnant and postpartum women. The data were collected from medical documentation, a food frequency questionnaire, and a questionnaire on demographic, lifestyle, health status, and nutritional habits in outpatient clinics and maternity departments. FAs in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids were determined using gas chromatography.

RESULTS

Correlations were found between dietary SFAs and erythrocyte SFAs (r = -0.140, p = 0.032) and PUFAs (r = 0.167, p = 0.01) and between dietary PUFAs and erythrocyte MUFAs (r = -0.143, p = 0.028). Dietary SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs positively correlated with the studied n-3 and n-6 FAs in erythrocytes. Vitamin D correlated positively with MUFA and negatively with total PUFA and AA in erythrocytes. There was a negative correlation between dietary vitamin A and linoleic acid in erythrocytes. Physical activity negatively correlated with erythrocyte MUFAs and positively with erythrocyte PUFAs. Alcohol consumption positively correlated with erythrocyte SFAs and negatively with erythrocyte PUFAs.

CONCLUSIONS

There are indications that some dietary FAs may be correlated with erythrocyte FAs. Possible influencing factors for this association are alcohol, physical activity, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Potential Relationship Between Sow Colostrum and Neonatal Serum Metabolites in Different Pig Breeds

SCOPE

Colostrum composition is an important indicator of newborn piglet survival and growth. However, limited information is available on the association between colostrum metabolites in sows and serum metabolites in neonates. Therefore, the present study aims to determine the metabolites in the colostrum of sows, in the serum of their offspring piglets, and mother-offspring metabolite correlations in different pig breeds.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Colostrum and serum samples are collected from 30 sows and their piglets from three pig breeds (Taoyuan black, TB; Xiangcun black, XB; and Duroc) to analyze the targeted metabolomics. This study identifies 191 metabolites in the colostrum of sows, including fatty acids, amino acids, bile acids, carnitines, carbohydrates, and organic acids, and the concentrations of these metabolites are highest in the TB pigs. Metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and piglet serum differ among Duroc, TB, and XB pigs, and the matching metabolites are mainly enriched in the digestive system and transportation pathways. Furthermore, identification of the associations between metabolites in the colostrum of sows and their neonate sera suggests that metabolite compounds from colostrum are transported to suckling piglets.

CONCLUSION

The present study findings deepen the understanding of the composition of sow colostrum metabolites and the transportation of metabolites from sow colostrum to piglets. The findings also provide insight regarding the development of dietary formulas that resemble the sow colostrum for newborn animals to maintain health and improve the early growth of offspring.

Early Pregnancy Maternal Plasma Phospholipid Saturated Fatty Acids and Fetal Growth: Findings from a Multi-Racial/Ethnic Birth Cohort in US

Saturated fatty acids (SFAs) during pregnancy are associated with disrupted metabolic programming among offspring at birth and later growth. We examined plasma phospholipid SFAs in early pregnancy and fetal growth throughout pregnancy. We enrolled 321 pregnant women from the NICHD Fetal Growth Studies-Singleton Cohort at gestational weeks 8-13. Ultrasonogram schedules were randomly assigned to capture weekly fetal growth. We measured plasma phospholipid SFAs at early pregnancy using blood samples and modeled fetal growth trajectories across tertiles of SFAs with cubic splines using linear mixed models after full adjustment. We then compared pairwise weekly fetal growth biometrics referencing the lowest tertile in each SFA using the Wald test. We found that even-chain and very long even-chain SFAs were inversely associated, whereas odd-chain SFAs were positively associated with fetal weight and size. Compared with the lowest tertile, the highest tertile of pentadecanoic acid (15:0) had a greater fetal weight and size, starting from week 13 until late pregnancy (at week 39: 3429.89 vs. 3269.08 g for estimated fetal weight; 328.14 vs. 323.00 mm for head circumference). Our findings could inspire future interventions using an alternative high-fat diet rich in odd-chain SFAs for optimal fetal growth.

Maternal High-Fat Diet Controls Offspring Kidney Health and Disease

A balanced diet during gestation is critical for fetal development, and excessive intake of saturated fats during gestation and lactation is related to an increased risk of offspring kidney disease. Emerging evidence indicates that a maternal high-fat diet influences kidney health and disease of the offspring via so-called renal programming. This review summarizes preclinical research documenting the connection between a maternal high-fat diet during gestation and lactation and offspring kidney disease, as well as the molecular mechanisms behind renal programming, and early-life interventions to offset adverse programming processes. Animal models indicate that offspring kidney health can be improved via perinatal polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation, gut microbiota changes, and modulation of nutrient-sensing signals. These findings reinforce the significance of a balanced maternal diet for the kidney health of offspring.

Effects of early introduction of solid foods on nutrient intake in preterm infants during their 1st year of life: a secondary outcome analysis of a prospective, randomized intervention study

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have higher nutritional needs even after hospital discharge. However, data concerning current nutrient intakes at different time points after the introduction of solid foods and whether dietary reference values are being met are scarce. To adress this issue, this secondary analysis of a prospective, two-arm interventional study in 177 VLBW infants 21 investigates dietary intake comparing early and late (early: 10-12 weeks corrected for gestational age, late: 16-18 weeks corrected for gestational age) introduction of standardized complementary food during the first year of life. Nutritional intake was assessed using self-reported monthly 3-day dietary records from 3 until 12 months, corrected for gestational age. The time point of the introduction of solid foods did not influence nutrient intake, but the early introduction of solids tended toward a higher proportional intake of protein and carbohydrates and a lower intake of fat as a percentage of total energy) during the 1st year of life, corrected for gestational age. The results of this study indicate that this standardized feeding concept was sufficient for zinc, calcium, and phosphorus intake. However, dietary iron and vitamin D intakes did not meet the recommendations. Thus, prolonged iron supplementation should be considered beyond the introduction of meat and vitamin D supplementation at least until 12 months, corrected for gestational age.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01809548.

Maternal high fat diets: impacts on offspring obesity and epigenetic hypothalamic programming

Maternal high-fat diet (HFD) during pregnancy is associated with rapid weight gain and fetal fat mass increase at an early stage. Also, HFD during pregnancy can cause the activation of proinflammatory cytokines. Maternal insulin resistance and inflammation lead to increased adipose tissue lipolysis, and also increased free fatty acid (FFA) intake during pregnancy (˃35% of energy from fat) cause a significant increase in FFA levels in the fetus. However, both maternal insulin resistance and HFD have detrimental effects on adiposity in early life. As a result of these metabolic alterations, excess fetal lipid exposure may affect fetal growth and development. On the other hand, increase in blood lipids and inflammation can adversely affect the development of the liver, adipose tissue, brain, skeletal muscle, and pancreas in the fetus, increasing the risk for metabolic disorders. In addition, maternal HFD is associated with changes in the hypothalamic regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis by altering the expression of the leptin receptor, POMC, and neuropeptide Y in the offspring, as well as altering methylation and gene expression of dopamine and opioid-related genes which cause changes in eating behavior. All these maternal metabolic and epigenetic changes may contribute to the childhood obesity epidemic through fetal metabolic programming. Dietary interventions, such as limiting dietary fat intake <35% with appropriate fatty acid intake during the gestation period are the most effective type of intervention to improve the maternal metabolic environment during pregnancy. Appropriate nutritional intake during pregnancy should be the principal goal in reducing the risks of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Influence of Adipose Tissue on Early Metabolic Programming: Conditioning Factors and Early Screening

BACKGROUND

Obesity and being overweight have become one of the world's most severe health issues, not only because of the pathology but also because of the development of related comorbidities. Even when children reach adulthood, the mother's environment during pregnancy has been found to have a significant impact on obesity prevention in children. Thus, both maternal dietary habits and other factors such as gestational diabetes mellitus, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, smoking, or endocrine factors, among others, could influence newborn growth, adiposity, and body composition at birth, in childhood and adolescence, hence programming health in adulthood.

METHODS

The aim of this review is to analyze the most recent human studies on the programming of fetal adipose tissue to determine which modifiable factors may influence adiposity and thus prevent specific disorders later in life by means of a bibliographic review of articles related to the subject over the last ten years.

CONCLUSIONS

The importance of a healthy diet and lifestyle not only during pregnancy and the first months of life but also throughout childhood, especially during the first two years of life as this is a period of great plasticity, where the foundations for optimal health in later life will be laid, preventing the emergence of noncommunicable diseases including obesity, diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, being overweight, and any other pathology linked to metabolic syndrome, which is so prevalent today, through health programs beginning at a young age.

Microbial transmission, colonisation and succession: from pregnancy to infancy

The microbiome has been proven to be associated with many diseases and has been used as a biomarker and target in disease prevention and intervention. Currently, the vital role of the microbiome in pregnant women and newborns is increasingly emphasised. In this review, we discuss the interplay of the microbiome and the corresponding immune mechanism between mothers and their offspring during the perinatal period. We aim to present a comprehensive picture of microbial transmission and potential immune imprinting before and after delivery. In addition, we discuss the possibility of in utero microbial colonisation during pregnancy, which has been highly debated in recent studies, and highlight the importance of the microbiome in infant development during the first 3 years of life. This holistic view of the role of the microbial interplay between mothers and infants will refine our current understanding of pregnancy complications as well as diseases in early life and will greatly facilitate the microbiome-based prenatal diagnosis and treatment of mother-infant-related diseases.

Maternal Intake of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Autism Spectrum Etiology and Its Relation to the Gut Microbiota: What Do We Know?

Maternal food habits and gut microbiota composition have potential effects on fetal neurodevelopment, impacting Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our research aims to outline the relationship that ingestion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the composition of maternal gut microbiota have with the possible development of ASD in offspring. We suggest that genetic factors could be related to the different conversions between unsaturated fatty acids according to sex and, mainly, the impact of the pregnancy diet on the higher or lower risk of neurological impairments. The proportion of the phyla Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes is high with an increased consumption of linoleic acid (LA, n-6 PUFA), which is associated with maternal intestinal dysbiosis and consequently starts the inflammatory process, harming myelinization. In contrast, the consumption of α-linolenic acid (ALA, n-3 PUFA) tends to re-establish the balance of the maternal microbiota with anti-inflammatory action. Moreover, human observational studies showed a strong correlation between the consumption of n-3 PUFA, mainly above 340 g of fish per week, with beneficial effects on infant neurodevelopment. Therefore, we suggest that the proper intake of foods rich in n-3 PUFAs and their supplementation during pregnancy until lactation has an impact on reducing the development of ASD. Controlled studies with n-3 PUFA supplementation are still necessary to verify the ideal dose and the best form of administration.

Long-term changes in the diurnal temporal regulation and set points of metabolic parameters associated with chronic maternal overnutrition in rabbits

Metabolic syndrome (MS) and obesity have become a worldwide epidemic with an alarming prevalence in women of reproductive age. Maternal metabolic condition is considered a risk factor for adverse birth outcomes and long-term MS. In this study, we developed a rabbit model of maternal overnutrition via the chronic intake of a high-fat and carbohydrate diet (HFCD), and we determined the effects of this diet on maternal metabolism and offspring metabolic set points and temporal metabolic regulation in adult life. Before and during pregnancy, the female rabbits that consumed the HFCD exhibited significant changes in body weight, serum levels of analytes associated with carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, levels of liver and kidney damage markers, and liver histology. Our data suggest that rabbits are a valuable model for studying the development of MS associated with the chronic intake of unbalanced diets and fetal metabolic programming. Furthermore, the offspring of overnourished dams exhibited considerable changes in 24-h serum metabolite profiles in adulthood, with notable sexual dimorphism. These data suggest that maternal nutritional conditions due to the chronic intake of an HFCD adversely impact key elements related to the development of circadian rhythmicity in offspring.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Maternal overnutrition previous and during pregnancy leads to long-term changes in the 24-h regulation and setpoint of metabolic profiles of the offspring.

The Combined Use of Medium- and Short-Chain Fatty Acids Improves the Pregnancy Outcomes of Sows by Enhancing Ovarian Steroidogenesis and Endometrial Receptivity

Fatty acids play important roles in maintaining ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity. Porcine primary ovarian granulosa cells (PGCs) and endometrial epithelial cells (PEECs) were treated with or without medium- and short-chain fatty acids (MSFAs) for 24 h. The mRNA abundance of genes was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. The hormone levels in the PGCs supernatant and the rate of adhesion of porcine trophoblast cells (pTrs) to PEECs were measured. Sows were fed diets with or without MSFAs supplementation during early gestation. The fecal and vaginal microbiomes were identified using 16S sequencing. Reproductive performance was recorded at parturition. MSFAs increased the mRNA abundance of genes involved in steroidogenesis, luteinization in PGCs and endometrial receptivity in PEECs (p < 0.05). The estrogen level in the PGC supernatant and the rate of adhesion increased (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MSFAs increased serum estrogen levels and the total number of live piglets per litter (p < 0.01). Moreover, MSFAs reduced the fecal Trueperella abundance and vaginal Escherichia-Shigella and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 abundance. These data revealed that MSFAs improved pregnancy outcomes in sows by enhancing ovarian steroidogenesis and endometrial receptivity while limiting the abundance of several intestinal and vaginal pathogens at early stages of pregnancy.

Maternal Fructose Intake, Programmed Mitochondrial Function and Predisposition to Adult Disease

Fructose consumption is now recognised as a major risk factor in the development of metabolic diseases, such as hyperlipidaemia, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity. In addition to environmental, social, and genetic factors, an unfavourable intrauterine environment is now also recognised as an important factor in the progression of, or susceptibility to, metabolic disease during adulthood. Developmental trajectory in the short term, in response to nutrient restriction or excessive nutrient availability, may promote adaptation that serves to maintain organ functionality necessary for immediate survival and foetal development. Consequently, this may lead to decreased function of organ systems when presented with an unfavourable neonatal, adolescent and/or adult nutritional environment. These early events may exacerbate susceptibility to later-life disease since sub-optimal maternal nutrition increases the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in future generations. Earlier dietary interventions, implemented in pregnant mothers or those considering pregnancy, may have added benefit. Although, the mechanisms by which maternal diets high in fructose and the vertical transmission of maternal metabolic phenotype may lead to the predisposition to adult disease are poorly understood. In this review, we will discuss the potential contribution of excessive fructose intake during pregnancy and how this may lead to developmental reprogramming of mitochondrial function and predisposition to metabolic disease in offspring.

Effect of peri-conception high fat diets on maternal ovarian function, fetal and placentome growth, and vascular umbilical development in goats

The objective of this study was to determine whether a high-fat diet (HFD) fed to goats for a brief period during peri-conception would optimize reproductive and fetal responses. Thirty-four Anglo-Nubian crossbred adult goats were allocated into three groups: control (n = 11), fed with a total mixed ration (TMR) based on chopped elephant grass and concentrate; HFBM (n = 11), given TMR supplemented with soybean oil on a 0.5% dry matter basis for 11 days starting nine days before mating (BM); and HFAM (n = 12), fed with soybean oil included in the TMR for 15 days after mating (AM). The TMR diets differed in their fat content (7.5% vs. 2.9%). All goats had estrus synchronized for 14 days BM by intravaginal administration of 60 mg MPA sponge for 12 days. Forty-eight hours BM, the sponge was removed and 0.075 mg PGF2α was applied intramuscularly. After 36 hours, 1 mL GnRH was administered intramuscularly, and goats were mated after sponge removal. The fat groups showed lower feed intake (P < 0.001) and higher cholesterol levels (P < 0.001) when HFD was administered. Doppler and B-mode ultrasound evaluations revealed a greater (P < 0.05) number of small (< 3 mm, 10 ± 0.6 vs 8 ± 0.5) and large (≥ 3 mm, 6 ± 0.4 vs 5.0 ± 0.2) follicles and intraovarian blood area (P < 0.05) in the HFBM group during sponge removal (57.6%) and mating (24.2%) than those of the no-fat group. During AM, the fat-fed groups exhibited higher glutathione peroxidase levels (P < 0.05) and a reduction (P < 0.001) in corpus luteum size (19%) and vascularized Doppler area (41%). No difference (P > 0.05) between groups was found in fetal traits, placentome, and umbilical vascular development, except for the embryonic vesicle where HFAM twin pregnancy showed a smaller size than the control (26.1 ± 3.5 cm vs 33.7 ± 2.7 cm; P < 0.01). Thus, HFD applied during peri-conception of goats has no impact on later fetal development but improved the follicular growth when given before the mating. Thus the use of HFD in periconception has no impact on fetal development but increases follicular growth before breeding time.

The Effects of Maternal Intake of EPA and DHA Enriched Diet During Pregnancy and Lactation on Offspring’s Muscle Development and Energy Homeostasis

EPA and DHA are n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids with a diversity of health benefits on offspring. The objective of this study was to test the in vivo effect of maternal ingestion of EPA and DHA on fetal and offspring muscle development and energy balance. Two groups of female C57BL/6 mice were fed EPA and DHA enriched diet (FA) and diet devoid of EPA and DHA (CON) respectively throughout the entire period of gestation and lactation. Embryos at E13 and offspring at age of D1 and D21 were selected for sample collection and processing. No change in birth number and body weight were observed between groups at D1 and D21. Transient increase in the expression levels of myogenesis regulating genes was detected at D1 (p < 0.05) in FA group. Most of the expression of muscle protein synthesis regulating genes were comparable (p > 0.05) between FA and CON groups at D1 and D21. The significant increase in MHC4, and IGF-1 was not linked to increased muscle mass. A persistent increase in ISR expression (p < 0.05) but not in GLUT-4 (p > 0.05) was detected in offspring. Up-regulation of adipogenesis regulating genes was accompanied by increasing intramuscular fat accumulation in the offspring of FA group. Considerable increase in transcripts of genes regulating lipid catabolism and thermogenesis in liver (p < 0.05) was noticed in FA group at D21; whereas, only the levels of carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1A (Cpt1α) and Enoyl-CoA Hydratase And 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenase (Ehhadh) increased at D1. Similarly, genes regulating lipolysis were highly expressed at D21 in FA group. EPA and DHA treatment promoted BAT development and activity by increasing the expression of BAT signature genes (p < 0.05). Also, maternal intake of EPA and DHA enriched diet enhanced browning of sWAT. Taken together, maternal ingestion of EPA/DHA may be suggested as a therapeutic option to improve body composition and counteract childhood obesity- related metabolic disorders and confer lifelong positive metabolic impact on offspring.

Dietary diversity and diet quality with gestational weight gain and adverse birth outcomes, results from a prospective pregnancy cohort study in urban Tanzania

Healthy maternal diets during pregnancy are an important protective factor for pregnancy‐related outcomes, including gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth outcomes. We prospectively examined the associations of maternal dietary diversity and diet quality, using Minimum Dietary Diversity for Women (MDD‐W) and Prime Diet Quality Score (PDQS), with GWG and birth outcomes among women enrolled in a trial in Tanzania (n = 1190). MDD‐W and PDQS were derived from a baseline food frequency questionnaire. Women were monthly followed until delivery, during which weight was measured. GWG was classified based on the 2009 Institute of Medicine guidelines. Adverse birth outcomes were classified as low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age, large for gestational age, and preterm birth. 46.2% participants had MDD‐W ≥ 5. Mean score of PDQS was 23.3. Maternal intakes of nuts, poultry, and eggs were low, whereas intakes of sugar‐sweetened beverages and refined grains were high. MDD‐W was not associated with GWG or birth outcomes. For PDQS, compared to the lowest tertile, women in the highest tertile had lower risk of inappropriate GWG (risk ratio [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.87–1.00). Women in the middle tertile group of PDQS (RR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.51–1.00) had lower risk of preterm birth. After excluding women with prior complications, higher PDQS was associated with lower risk of LBW (middle tertile: RR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.31–0.99, highest tertile: RR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.29–0.94; continuous per SD: RR = 0.77, 95% CI: 0.60–0.99). Our findings support continuing efforts to improve maternal diet quality for optimal GWG and infant outcomes among Tanzanian women.

•

Maternal diets are a key modifiable determinant of gestational weight gain (GWG) and birth outcomes.

•

We observed suboptimal intakes of healthy proteins and fats and high intakes of refined grains and sugar‐containing foods among well‐nourished pregnant women in urban Tanzania.

•

This study found that higher‐quality maternal diets were associated with lower risks of inappropriate GWG, low birth weight, and preterm birth.

•

This study supports the importance of high maternal diet quality and continuing efforts to promote well‐balanced maternal diets with avoiding both under‐ and over‐nutrition for optimal pregnancy outcomes among Tanzanian populations.

INTERESTERIFIED FAT MATERNAL CONSUMPTION BEFORE CONCEPTION PROGRAMMS MEMORY AND LEARNING OF ADULTHOOD OFFSPRING: how big is this deleterious repercussion?

In recent years, interesterified fat (IF) has largely replaced trans fat in industrialized food. Studies of our research group showed that IF consumption may not be safe for central nervous system (CNS) functions. Our current aim was to evaluate IF maternal consumption before conception on cognitive performance of adult rat offspring. Female Wistar rats were fed with standard chow plus 20% soybean and fish oil mix (control group) or plus 20% IF from weaning until adulthood (before mating), when the diets were replaced by standard chow only. Following the gestation and pups' development, locomotion and memory performance followed by neurotrophin immunocontent and fatty acids (FA) profile in the hippocampus of the adulthood male offspring were quantified. Maternal IF consumption before conception decreased hippocampal palmitoleic acid incorporation, proBDNF and BDNF levels, decreasing both exploratory activity and memory performance in adult offspring. Considering that, the adult male offspring did not consume IF directly, further studies are needed to understand the molecular mechanisms and if the IF maternal preconception consumption could induce the epigenetic changes observed here. Our outcomes reinforce an immediate necessity to monitor and / or question the replacement of trans fat by IF with further studies involving CNS functions.

Association between FADS Gene Expression and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Breast Milk

Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in breast milk provides physiological benefits for offspring and is closely related to endogenous biosynthesis in lactating women. Few studies have addressed the association between fatty acid desaturase (FADS) gene expression patterns and fatty acids in breast milk. This research aimed to explore the differences in PUFA levels among breast milk groups with different levels of FADS gene expression and provide a scientific basis for precision nutrition strategies. A total of 50 healthy women 42–45 days postpartum were included in this study. A basic information questionnaire and breast milk samples were collected. Eight types of PUFA were detected, and RNA was extracted from breast milk. The transcription level of the FADS gene was detected using real-time quantitative PCR. Significant differences in the content of gamma-linolenic acid and eicosatrienoic acid (C20:3n6) were found in breast milk among FADS1 gene transcription groups (p = 0.009, p = 0.042, respectively). No significant differences in PUFA were found among the FADS2 and FADS3 gene expression groups. The results demonstrated that n-6 PUFA was associated with the mRNA expression levels of the FADS1 gene. They are of great significance in developing new methods and diets to optimize infant feeding using breast milk.

Maternal dietary fatty acid composition and newborn epigenetic aging-a geometric framework approach

BACKGROUND

Maternal nutrition is associated with epigenetic and cardiometabolic risk factors in offspring. Research in humans has primarily focused on assessing the impact of individual nutrients.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess the collective impact of maternal dietary MUFAs, PUFAs, and SFAs on epigenetic aging and cardiometabolic risk markers in healthy newborn infants using a geometric framework approach.

METHODS

Body fatness (n = 162), aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT; n = 131), heart rate variability (n = 118), and epigenetic age acceleration (n = 124) were assessed in newborn infants. Maternal dietary intake was cross-sectionally assessed in the immediate postpartum period via a validated 80-item self-administered FFQ. Generalized additive models were used to explore interactive associations of nutrient intake, with results visualized as response surfaces.

RESULTS

After adjustment for total energy intake, maternal age, gestational age, and sex there was a 3-way interactive association of MUFAs, PUFAs, and SFAs (P = 0.001) with newborn epigenetic aging. This suggests that the nature of each fat class association depends upon one another. Response surfaces revealed MUFAs were positively associated with newborn epigenetic age acceleration only at proportionately lower intakes of SFAs or PUFAs. We also demonstrate a potential beneficial association of omega-3 (n-3) PUFAs with newborn epigenetic age acceleration (P = 0.008). There was no significant association of fat class with newborn aIMT, heart rate variability, or body fatness.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we demonstrated an association between maternal dietary fat class composition and epigenetic aging in newborns. Future research should consider other characteristics such as the source of maternal dietary fatty acids.

Maternal consumption of ɷ3 attenuates metabolic disruption elicited by saturated fatty acids-enriched diet in offspring rats

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

High-fat diet (HFD) intake during gestation and lactation has been associated with an increased risk of developing cardiometabolic disorders in adult offspring. We investigated whether metabolic alterations resulting from the maternal consumption of HFD are prevented by the addition of omega-3 (ɷ3) in the diet.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Wistar rat dams were fed a control (C: 19% of lipids and ɷ6:ɷ3 = 12), HF (HF: 33% lipids and ɷ6:ɷ3 = 21), or HF enriched with ɷ3 (HFω3: 33% lipids and ɷ6:ɷ3 = 9) diet during gestation and lactation, and their offspring food consumption, murinometric measurements, serum levels of metabolic markers, insulin and pyruvate sensitivity tests were evaluated. The maternal HFD increased body weight at birth, dyslipidemia, and elevated fasting glucose levels in the HF group. The enrichment of ɷ3 in the maternal HFD led to lower birth weight and improved lipid, glycemic, and transaminase biochemical profile of the HFω3 group until the beginning of adulthood. However, at later adulthood of the offspring, there was no improvement in these biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show the maternal consumption of high-fat ɷ3-rich diet is able to attenuate or prevent metabolic disruption elicited by HFD in offspring until 90 days old, but not in the long term, as observed at 300 days old of the offspring.

Dietary Fatty Acid Intakes and the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technique in Infertile Women

Background

The purpose of this study was evaluating the relationship between fatty acid (FA) intakes and the Assisted Reproductive Technique (ART) outcomes in infertile women.

Methods

In this descriptive longitudinal study, a validated food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) was used to measure dietary intakes among 217 women with primary infertility seeking ART treatments at Isfahan Fertility and Infertility Center, Isfahan, Iran. The average number of total and metaphase II (MII) oocytes, the fertilization rate, the ratio of good and bad quality embryo and biochemical and clinical pregnancy were assessed. Analyses were performed using mean, standard deviation, Chi-square test, ANOVA, ANCOVA, logistic regression.

Results

A total of 140 women were finally included in the study. There was a positive relationship between the average number of total and MII oocytes and the amount of total fatty acids (TFAs), saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), linoleic acids, linolenic acids, and oleic acids intakes, while eicosapentaenoic acids (EPAs) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHAs) intakes had an inverse relationship. Consuming more amounts of TFAs, SFAs, PUFAs, MUFAs, linoleic acids, and oleic acids was associated with the lower fertilization rate, whereas the consumption of linolenic acids and EPAs increased the fertilization rate. The ratio of good quality embryo was directly affected by the amount of PUFAs intakes. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the amount of SFAs intakes and the number of pregnant women.

Conclusion

TFAs, SFA, PUFA, and MUFA intakes could have both beneficial and adverse impacts on ART outcomes.

Oxidative Stress Profile of Mothers and Their Offspring after Maternal Consumption of High-Fat Diet in Rodents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Maternal exposure to the high-fat diet (HFD) during gestation or lactation can be harmful to both a mother and offspring. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate the studies with animal models (rodents) that were exposed to the high-fat diet during pregnancy and/or lactation period to investigate oxidative stress and lipid and liver enzyme profile of mothers and their offspring. The electronic search was performed in the PUBMED (Public/Publisher MEDLINE), EMBASE (Ovid), and Web of Science databases. Data from 77 studies were included for qualitative analysis, and of these, 13 studies were included for meta-analysis by using a random effects model. The pooled analysis revealed higher malondialdehyde levels in offspring of high-fat diet groups. Furthermore, the pooled analysis showed increased reactive oxygen species and lower superoxide dismutase and catalase in offspring of mothers exposed to high-fat diet during pregnancy and/or lactation. Despite significant heterogeneity, the systematic review shows oxidative stress in offspring induced by maternal HFD.

DHA Supplementation of Obese Rats throughout Pregnancy and Lactation Modifies Milk Composition and Anxiety Behavior of Offspring

We investigated if supplementing obese mothers (MO) with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves milk long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) composition and offspring anxiety behavior. From weaning throughout pregnancy and lactation, female Wistar rats ate chow (C) or a high-fat diet (MO). One month before mating and through lactation, half the mothers received 400 mg DHA kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ orally (C+DHA or MO+DHA). Offspring ate C after weaning. Maternal weight, total body fat, milk hormones, and milk nutrient composition were determined. Pups’ milk nutrient intake was evaluated, and behavioral anxiety tests were conducted. MO exhibited increased weight and total fat, and higher milk corticosterone, leptin, linoleic, and arachidonic acid (AA) concentrations, and less DHA content. MO male and female offspring had higher ω-6/ ω-3 milk consumption ratios. In the elevated plus maze, female but not male MO offspring exhibited more anxiety. MO+DHA mothers exhibited lower weight, total fat, milk leptin, and AA concentrations, and enhanced milk DHA. MO+DHA offspring had a lower ω-6/ω-3 milk intake ratio and reduced anxiety vs. MO. DHA content was greater in C+DHA milk vs. C. Supplementing MO mothers with DHA improves milk composition, especially LCPUFA content and ω-6/ω-3 ratio reducing offspring anxiety in a sex-dependent manner.

Trans fatty acids in food: A review on dietary intake, health impact, regulations and alternatives

Trans fats are desired by the edible oil industry as they impart firmness, plasticity, and oxidative stability to oil. However, clinical trials have demonstrated the adverse effects of trans fats in food on human health and nutrition. Regulatory actions have been taken up by government and non-government bodies worldwide to eliminate the presence of trans fats in the food supply. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a "REPLACE" action plan to eliminate trans-fat from the global food industry by 2023. A few enabling technologies are developed to mitigate trans fats namely, trait-enhanced oils, modification in the hydrogenation process, interesterification, fractionation, blending, and oleogelation. Some of them have the drawback of replacing trans-fat with saturated fats. Interesterification and oleogelation are in-trend techniques with excellent potential in replacing trans fats without compromising the desired functionality and nutritional quality attributes. This review presents an overview of trans fatty acid for example, its dietary intake in food products, possible adverse health impact, regulations, and approaches to reduce the usage of trans fats for food application. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The requirement for the replacement of trans fatty acids (TFAs) in food supply globally has challenged the food industry to find a novel substitute for trans fats without compromising the desired functionality and nutritional property. This review presents detailed background on trans fats, their health impacts and current trends of reformulation of oils and fats to mitigate their presence in food supply chains. Information compiled in this paper will help food scientists and technologists, chemists, food processors, and retailers as there is an urgent need to find novel technologies and substitutes to replace trans fats in processed foods.

Maternal butyrate supplementation affects the lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition in the skeletal muscle of offspring piglets

Maternal sodium butyrate (SB) intake has important effects on offspring growth and development. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of maternal SB supplementation during gestation and lactation on fatty acid composition and lipid metabolism in the offspring skeletal muscle of pigs. Twenty sows (Yorkshire, parity 2 to 3) were assigned to the control group (diets without SB, n = 10) and SB group (diets with 0.1% SB, n = 10). The results showed maternal SB supplementation throughout gestation and lactation increased (P < 0.05) body weight of offspring piglets at weaning. The concentrations of triglyceride in plasma and milk were enhanced (P < 0.05). Maternal SB induced (P < 0.05) lipid accumulation with increased expression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ (PPARγ) by enrichment of the acetylation of H3 acetylation K27 (H3K27) in offspring skeletal muscle. Meanwhile, the concentrations of C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), n-6 PUFA and n-3 PUFA decreased (P < 0.05) in skeletal muscle of weaning piglets derived from SB sows. Together, these results showed that maternal SB supplementation could influence offspring growth performance, lipid metabolism and fatty acid composition of the skeletal muscle.

Parental high-fat high-sugar diet programming and hypothalamus adipose tissue axis in male Wistar rats

PURPOSE

Maternal nutrition during early development and paternal nutrition pre-conception can programme offspring health status. Hypothalamus adipose axis is a target of developmental programming, and paternal and maternal high-fat, high-sugar diet (HFS) may be an important factor that predisposes offspring to develop obesity later in life. This study aims to investigate Wistar rats' maternal and paternal HFS differential contribution on the development, adiposity, and hypothalamic inflammation in male offspring from weaning until adulthood.

METHODS

Male progenitors were fed a control diet (CD) or HFS for 10 weeks before mating. After mating, dams were fed CD or HFS only during pregnancy and lactation. Forming the following male offspring groups: CD-maternal and paternal CD; MH-maternal HFS and paternal CD; PH-maternal CD and paternal HFS; PMH-maternal and paternal HFS. After weaning, male offspring were fed CD until adulthood.

RESULTS

Maternal HFS diet increased weight, visceral adiposity, and serum total cholesterol levels, and decreased hypothalamic weight in weanling male rats. In adult male offspring, maternal HFS increased weight, glucose levels, and hypothalamic NFκBp65. Paternal HFS diet lowered hypothalamic insulin receptor levels in weanling offspring and glucose and insulin levels in adult offspring. The combined effects of maternal and paternal HFS diets increased triacylglycerol, leptin levels, and hypothalamic inflammation in weanling rats, and increased visceral adiposity in adulthood.

CONCLUSION

Male offspring intake of CD diet after weaning reversed part of the effects of parental HFS diet during the perinatal period. However, maternal and paternal HFS diet affected adiposity and hypothalamic inflammation, which remained until adulthood.

Body weight, organ development and jejunal histomorphology in broiler breeder pullets fed n-3 fatty acids enriched diets from hatch through to 22 weeks of age

Dietary long chain polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) may be beneficial to broiler breeder (BB) development. Therefore, the effects of feeding sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and α-linolenic acid (ALA) from hatch through to 22 weeks of age (woa) on growth, organ weight, and jejunal histomorphology were investigated. A total of 588-day-old Ross × Ross 708 BB were reared on one of 3 diets: 1) control, corn-soybean meal diet, 2) Control + 1% microalgae (DMA, Aurantichytrium limacinum), as a source of DHA and 3) Control + 2.50% co-extruded full fat flaxseed and pulse mixture (FFF, 1:1 wt/wt), as a source of ALA. Diets DMA and FFF had similar total n-3 and n-6: n-3 ratio. Diets were allocated to floor pens (28 birds/pen) to give 9 or 6 replicates per diet for control or DMA and FFF, respectively and fed according to breeder curve in 3 phases: starter (0-4 woa), grower (5-19 woa), and pre-breeder (20-22 woa). Individual body weight (BW) was taken weekly and 6 birds/pen necropsied at 5 and 12 woa for gastrointestinal, spleen, bursa, and liver weight and samples for jejunal histomorphology. There was no (P > 0.05) diet effect on growth by 20 woa. With exception of 5 woa, pullets fed DMA showed (P < 0.001) lower BW coefficient of variation (C.V.) than pullets fed control between 2 and 7 woa. However, pullets fed DMA had higher BW CV at 20 woa than birds fed either control or FFF. At 5 woa, birds fed DMA had taller (P ≤ 0.01) villi and deeper crypt than birds fed either control or FFF but VH or CD were similar (P > 0.05) between CON and FFF pullets. At 12 woa, birds fed FFF had taller VH than birds fed control diet but similar (P > 0.05) to that of birds fed DMA. Therefore, different responses to sources of omega-3 FA may implicate other components, however, the BW uniformity and intestinal histomorphology responses suggested benefits of feeding omega-3 FA during rearing.

Trans Fatty Acids in Human Milk in Latvia: Association with Dietary Habits during the Lactation Period

The human milk fatty acid, including trans fatty acid, composition is predominantly affected by the maternal diet. The aim of this research was to determine the trans fatty acid level in human milk among lactating women in Latvia, and to evaluate how maternal dietary habits affect the trans fatty acid composition of human milk. In total, 70 lactating women participated in this cross-sectional study. A 72-hour food diary and food frequency questionnaire were used to evaluate maternal dietary habits. Different trans fatty acids in human milk samples were determined using gas chromatography (Agilent 6890N, Agilent Technologies Incorporated, the United States). Overall, the dietary intake of trans fatty acids among the participants was 0.54 ± 0.79 g per day. The total trans fatty acid level in the human milk samples was 2.30% ± 0.60%. The composition of trans fatty acids found in human milk was associated with maternal dietary habits. Higher elaidic acid, vaccenic acid and total trans fatty acid levels in human milk were found among participants with a higher milk and dairy product intake. Meat and meat product intake were associated with a higher vaccenic acid and total trans fatty acid levels in human milk. A moderate association was also established between maternal trans fatty acid intake and the total trans fatty acid level in human milk. The obtained correlations indicate that maternal dietary habits during lactation can impact the composition of trans fatty acids found in human milk.

Dietary fat intake during early pregnancy is associated with cord blood DNA methylation at IGF2 and H19 genes in newborns

Maternal fat intake during pregnancy affects fetal growth, but mechanisms underlying this relationship are unclear. We performed an exploratory study of the associations of fat consumption during pregnancy with cord blood DNA methylation of the insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and H19 genes. We used data from 96 uncomplicated full-term pregnancies of mothers of whom majority had normal body mass index (BMI) (66%) in Project Viva, a prospective pre-birth cohort. We assessed maternal diet with validated food frequency questionnaires during the first and second trimesters and measured DNA methylation in segments of the IGF2- and H19-differentially methylated regions (DMRs) by pyrosequencing DNA extracted from umbilical cord blood samples. Mean (SD) age was 32.8 (4.1) years and prepregnancy BMI was 24.0 (4.4) kg/m² . Mean DNA methylation was 56.3% (3.9%) for IGF2-DMR and 44.6% (1.9%) for H19-DMR. Greater first trimester intake of omega-6 polyunsaturated fat (effect per 1% of calories at the expense of carbohydrates) was associated with lower DNA methylation of IGF2-DMR (-1.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.2%, -0.2%) and higher DNA methylation at H19-DMR (0.8%; 95% CI: 0.3%, 1.3%). On the other hand, greater first trimester intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fat was associated with lower DNA methylation of the H19-DMR (-4.3%; 95% CI: -7.9%, -0.8%). We did not find significant associations of IGF2 and H19 methylation with IGF2 cord blood levels. Our findings suggest that early prenatal fat intake (omega-3, omega-6, and saturated fatty acids) may influence DNA methylation at the IGF2 and H19 locus, which could impact fetal development and long-term health.

Maternal consumption of conjugated linoleic acid improves tolerance to glucose and hdl-cholesterol in the rat progeny

Our study evaluates the impacts of maternal consumption of different levels of CLA during pregnancy and lactation on physical and metabolic changes in the rat progeny. Three groups were formed: control (CG) - diet without CLA; CLA1 - diet containing 1% CLA; and CLA3 - diet containing 3% CLA. Murinometry, body fat collection, biochemical analysis, glycemic curves, liver fat amount, and fatty acid profiles of the liver were studied. The data were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by the Tukey test (p < 0.05). The CLA3 group presented highest body weight, feed intake and BMI (p < 0.05). The retroperitoneal fat, epididymal fat, and body fat index were higher in the CLA1 and CLA3 groups (p < 0.05) but no difference was observed for mesenteric fat. Yet in contrast, the experimental groups presented lower abdominal circumference and glycemic curves when compared to the CG (p < 0.05). CLA1 and CLA3 groups presented higher values of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol (p < 0.05), yet no difference was found in serum triglycerides or LDL. The CLA3 group presented less n-3, n-6, total PUFA, and arachidonic acid in liver fat (p < 0.05). The CLA1 and CLA3 groups were higher in total MUFA in the liver fat. In conclusion, CLA when consumed during gestation and lactation increased: tolerance to glucose, HDL, and the body fat index in the offspring. Only the CLA3 group presented reduced total PUFA, n-3, n-6 and arachidonic acid in the offspring's liver.

The clinical impact of maternal weight on offspring health: lights and shadows in breast milk metabolome

INTRODUCTION

Pre-pregnancy overweight and obesity, depending on maternal nutrition and metabolic state, can influence fetal, neonatal and long-term offspring health, regarding cardio-metabolic, respiratory, immunological and cognitive outcomes. Thus, maternal weight can act, through mechanisms that are not full understood, on the physiology and metabolism of some fetal organs and tissues, to adapt themselves to the intrauterine environment and nutritional reserves. These effects could occur by modulating gene expression, neonatal microbiome, and through breastfeeding.

AREAS COVERED

In this paper, we investigated the potential effects of metabolites found altered in breast milk (BM) of overweight/obese mothers, through an extensive review of metabolomics studies, and the potential short- and long-term clinical effects in the offspring, especially regarding overweight, glucose homeostasis, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, infections, immune processes, and neurodevelopment.

EXPERT OPINION

Metabolomics seems the ideal tool to investigate BM variation depending on maternal or fetal/neonatal factors. In particular, BM metabolome alterations according to maternal conditions were recently pointed out in cases of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction and maternal overweight/obesity. In our opinion, even if BM is the food of choice in neonatal nutrition, the deepest comprehension of its composition in overweight/obese mothers could allow targeted supplementation, to improve offspring health and metabolic homeostasis.

Lifestyle, Maternal Nutrition and Healthy Pregnancy

Healthy lifestyle habits spanning from preconception to postpartum are considered as a major safeguard for achieving successful pregnancies and for the prevention of gestational diseases. Among preconception priorities established by the World Health Organization (WHO) are healthy diet and nutrition, weight management, physical activity, planned pregnancy and physical, mental and psychosocial health. Most studies covering the topic of healthy pregnancies focus on maternal diet because obesity increases the risks for adverse perinatal outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus, large for gestational age newborns, or preeclampsia. Thus, foods rich in vegetables, essential and polyunsaturated fats and fibre-rich carbohydrates should be promoted especially in overweight, obese or diabetic women. An adequate intake of micronutrients (e.g. iron, calcium, folate, vitamin D and carotenoids) is also crucial to support pregnancy and breastfeeding. Moderate physical activity throughout pregnancy improves muscle tone and function, besides decreasing the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabesity (i.e. diabetes associated with obesity) and postpartum overweight. Intervention studies claim that an average of 30 min of exercise/day contributes to long-term benefits for maternal overall health and wellbeing. Other factors such as microbiome modulation, behavioural strategies (e.g. smoking cessation, anxiety/stress reduction and sleep quality), maternal genetics and age, social class and education might also influence the maternal quality of life. These factors contribute to ensure a healthy pregnancy, or at least to reduce the risk of adverse maternal and foetal outcomes during pregnancy and later in life.

Maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy and newborn body composition

OBJECTIVE

Increased infant birth weight and adiposity are associated with an altered risk of adult chronic diseases. The objective was to investigate the association between maternal dietary fat intake during pregnancy and newborn adiposity.

STUDY DESIGN

The study included 79 singleton pregnancies. Associations between maternal dietary fat intake during each trimester and infant adiposity at birth were assessed.

RESULT

Average total grams of maternal total dietary fat and unsaturated fat intake during pregnancy correlated with infant percent body fat after adjusting for potential confounding variables (r = 0.23, p = 0.045; r = 0.24, p = 0.037). Maternal average daily intake of total fat, saturated fat, and unsaturated fat during the second trimester of pregnancy were each associated with infant percent body fat (r = 0.25, p = 0.029; r = 0.23, p = 0.046; r = 0.25, p = 0.031; respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The second trimester of pregnancy is a key time period for fetal adipose tissue metabolic programming and therefore a target for nutritional intervention.

Intrauterine Transfer of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Mother-Infant Dyads as Analyzed at Time of Delivery

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential for fetal development, and intrauterine transfer is the only supply of PUFAs to the fetus. The prevailing theory of gestational nutrient transfer is that certain nutrients (including PUFAs) may have prioritized transport across the placenta. Numerous studies have identified correlations between maternal and infant fatty acid concentrations; however, little is known about what role maternal PUFA status may play in differential intrauterine nutrient transfer. Twenty mother–infant dyads were enrolled at delivery for collection of maternal and umbilical cord blood, and placental tissue samples. Plasma concentrations of PUFAs were assessed using gas chromatography (GC-FID). Intrauterine transfer percentages for each fatty acid were calculated as follows: ((cord blood fatty acid level/maternal blood fatty acid level) × 100). Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to compare transfer percentages between maternal fatty acid tertile groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant. There were statistically significant differences in intrauterine transfer percentages of arachidonic acid (AA) (64% vs. 65% vs. 45%, p = 0.02), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) (41% vs. 19% vs. 17%, p = 0.03), and total fatty acids (TFA) (27% vs. 26% vs. 20%, p = 0.05) between maternal plasma fatty acid tertiles. Intrauterine transfer percentages of AA, EPA, and TFA were highest in the lowest tertile of respective maternal fatty acid concentration. These findings may indicate that fatty acid transfer to the fetus is prioritized during gestation even during periods of maternal nutritional inadequacy.

The consumption of ultra-processed foods reduces overall quality of diet in pregnant women

This study analyzed the role of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) in the food and nutritional profile of pregnant women's diet. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a representative sample of pregnant women attending primary healthcare units in Maceió, capital of the State of Alagoas, Brazil. Food consumption was assessed with the application of two 24-hour food recalls on nonconsecutive days, and the consumption items were grouped according to the NOVA classification. Overall estimates were expressed as absolute dietary consumption (mean calorie intake) and relative consumption (percentage of total energy intake according to food groups and consumption items). Analysis of variance was used to compare mean energy and nutrient intake according to food groups. The association between quintiles of the energy share from UPFs (exposure variable) and (1) consumption items and food groups, (2) percentage of total energy from macronutrients, and (3) micronutrient density was analyzed via adjusted linear regression models. Mean energy intake in pregnant women was 1,966.9Kcal/day, 22% of which from UPFs. A direct relationship was observed between the percentage of energy from UPFs and total energy consumption (β = 228.78Kcal; SE = 21.26). In addition, an increase in the share of UPFs was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the intake of protein, fiber, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, folate, and vitamins D and E, as well as in the consumption of traditional foods such as protein, beans, roots, and tubers. Our data thus indicate that the consumption of UPFs reduces the overall nutritional and food quality of diet in pregnant women.

Supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in breeder hens diet increased CLA incorporation in liver and alters hepatic lipid metabolism in chick offspring

This experiment was designed to investigate the effect of supplementing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in breeder hens diet on development and hepatic lipid metabolism of chick offspring. Hy-Line Brown breeder hens were allocated into two groups, supplemented with 0 (CT) or 0.5% CLA for 8 weeks. Offspring chicks were grouped according to the mother generation and fed for 7 days. CLA treatment had no significant influence on development, egg quality, and fertility of breeder hens, but darkened the egg yolks in shade and increased yolk sac mass compared to CT group. Addition of CLA resulted in increased body mass and liver mass, and decreased deposition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in chick offspring. The serum triglyceride (TG) and cholesterol (TC) levels of chick offspring were decreased in CLA group. CLA treatment increased the incorporation of both CLA isomers (c9t11 and t10c12) in liver of chick offspring, accompanied by the decreased hepatic TG levels, related to the significant reduction of fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) enzyme activities and the increased of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) enzyme activity. Meanwhile, CLA treatment reduced the mRNA expression of genes related to fatty acid biosynthesis (FAS, ACC, and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c), and induced the expression of genes related to β-oxidative (CPT1, AMP-activated protein kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α) in chick offspring liver. In summary, the addition of CLA in breeder hens diet significantly increased incorporation of CLA in liver of chick offspring, which further regulate hepatic lipid metabolism.

Fish Oil Diet during Pre-mating, Gestation, and Lactation in Adult Offspring Rats on Cancer Cachexia Prevention

SCOPE

Nutritional supplementation of the maternal diet can modify the cancer susceptibility in adult offspring. Therefore, the authors evaluate the effects of a fish-oil diet administered to a long-term, during pre-mating, gestation, and lactation, in reducing cancer-cachexia damages in adult Walker-256 tumor-bearing offspring.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Female rats receive control or fish oil diet during pre-mating, gestation, and lactation. After weaning, male offspring are fed the control diet until adulthood and distributed in (C) control adult-offspring; (W) adult tumor-bearing offspring; (OC) adult-offspring of maternal fish oil diet; (WOC) adult tumor-bearing offspring of maternal fish oil diet groups. Fat body mass is preserved, muscle expression of mechanistic target of rapamicin (mTOR) and eukariotic binding protein of eukariotic factor 4E (4E-BP1) is modified, being associated with lower 20S proteasome protein expression, and the liver alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme content maintained in the WOC group. Also, the OC group shows reduced triglyceridemia.

CONCLUSION

In this experimental model of cachexia, the long-term maternal supplementation is a positive strategy to improve liver function and lipid metabolism, as well as to modify muscle proteins expression in the mTOR pathway and also reduce the 20S muscle proteasome protein, without altering the tumor development and muscle wasting in adult tumor-bearing offspring.

Effects of feeding ISA brown and Shaver white layer breeders with sources of n-3 fatty acids on hatching egg profiles, apparent embryonic uptake of egg components, and body composition of day-old chicks

Effects of feeding ISA brown and Shaver white breeders sources of n-3 fatty acids (FA) on egg components, apparent embryonic uptake (AEU) of egg components, and hatching body composition were examined. A total of 240 females and 30 males per each strain were fed either: (1) control (CON); (2) CON + 1% of dried microalgae (DMA), as a source of docosahexaenoic acid; or (3) CON + 2.60% of dry extruded product consisting of full-fat flaxseed (FFF), as a source of α-linolenic acid for 30 d. Eggs were incubated and the residual yolks (RY) sampled at hatch for AEU of dry matter (DM), minerals, and organic matter (OM). Feeding n-3 FA sources reduced the AEU of OM and minerals resulting in a higher ratio of RY to body weight (P = 0.002). Feeding FFF increased body fat and decreased lean in Shaver white hatchlings compared with CON (P < 0.05). The body mineral was reduced by feeding DMA compared with other treatments (P < 0.05). The change in body composition in response to feeding of n-3 sources was associated with the change in AEU of DM, OM, and minerals, not the concentration of these components in the yolk.

Can we modulate the breastfed infant gut microbiota through maternal diet?

Initial colonisation of the infant gut is robustly influenced by regular ingestion of human milk, a substance that contains microbes, microbial metabolites, immune proteins, and oligosaccharides. Numerous factors have been identified as potential determinants of the human milk and infant gut microbiota, including maternal diet; however, there is limited data on the influence of maternal diet during lactation on either of these. Here, we review the processes thought to contribute to human milk and infant gut bacterial colonisation and provide a basis for considering the role of maternal dietary patterns during lactation in shaping infant gut microbial composition and function. Although only one observational study has directly investigated the influence of maternal diet during lactation on the infant gut microbiome, data from animal studies suggests that modulation of the maternal gut microbiota, via diet or probiotics, may influence the mammary or milk microbiota. Additionally, evidence from human studies suggests that the maternal diet during pregnancy may affect the gut microbiota of the breastfed infant. Together, there is a plausible hypothesis that maternal diet during lactation may influence the infant gut microbiota. If substantiated in further studies, this may present a potential window of opportunity for modulating the infant gut microbiome in early life.

The Triad Mother-Breast Milk-Infant as Predictor of Future Health: A Narrative Review

The benefits of human milk for both mother and infant are widely acknowledged. Human milk could represent a link between maternal and offspring health. The triad mother-breast milk-infant is an interconnected system in which maternal diet and lifestyle might have effects on infant's health outcome. This link could be in part explained by epigenetics, even if the underlining mechanisms have not been fully clarified yet. The aim of this paper is to update the association between maternal diet and human milk, pointing out how maternal diet and lifestyle could be associated with breast-milk composition, hence with offspring's health outcome.

Maternal gut microbiota reflecting poor diet quality is associated with spontaneous preterm birth in a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

A processed diet, high in fat and low in fiber, is associated with differences in the gut microbiota and adverse health outcomes in humans; however, little is known about the diet-microbiota relation and its impact on pregnancy. Spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB), a pregnancy outcome with serious short- and long-term consequences, occurs more frequently in black and in obese women in the United States.

OBJECTIVES

In a prospective, case-control sample matched for race and obesity (cases = 16, controls = 32), we compared the fecal gut microbiota, fecal and plasma metabolites, and diet in the late second trimester. We hypothesized that a Western diet would be associated with reduced microbiota richness and a metabolic signature predicting incidence of SPTB.

METHODS

The fecal microbiota was characterized by 16S-tagged sequencing and untargeted metabolomics was used to analyze both plasma and fecal metabolites. Wilcoxon's rank-sum test was used for the comparison of microbiota genera, α-diversity, fecal and plasma metabolites, and dietary variables between term and SPTB. β-Diversity was analyzed using permutational multivariate ANOVA, and metabolite associations were assessed by module analysis.

RESULTS

A decrease in α-diversity was strongly associated with the development of SPTB, especially in the taxonomic class of Betaproteobacteria. Of 824 fecal metabolites, 22 metabolites (mostly lipids) differed between cases and controls (P < 0.01), with greater DHA (22:6n-3) and EPA (20:5n-3) in cases [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.2]. The most significant fecal metabolite module (FDR-adjusted P = 0.008) was dominated by DHA and EPA. Dietary saturated fat (primarily palmitate) intake was greater in cases (31.38 ± 7.37 compared with 26.08 ± 8.62 g, P = 0.045) and was positively correlated with fecal DHA and EPA (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced α-diversity of the gut microbiota and higher excretion of omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids in stool may provide a novel biomarker signature predicting SPTB in women with a low-fiber, high-fat diet. Further investigation of these markers in a larger sample is needed for validation.

Impact of feeding n-3 fatty acids to layer breeders and their offspring on concentration of antibody titres against infectious bronchitis, and Newcastle diseases and plasma fatty acids in the offspring

1. The impact of feeding sources of n-3 fatty acids (FA) to ISA Brown and Shaver White breeders and their offspring on antibody titres and plasma FA profile was examined.2. Breeders were fed either a control diet (CON); CON + 1% microalgae (DMA: Aurantiochytrium limacinum) as a source of docosahexaenoic acid; or CON + 2.6% of a co-extruded mixture of full-fat flaxseed (FFF) as a source of α-linolenic acid. Day-old female offspring were assigned to diets (breeder-offspring): 1) CON-CON, 2) CON-DMA, 3) CON - FFF, 4) DMA - CON, 5) DMA - DMA, 6) FFF - CON or 7) FFF - FFF, followed by a standard layer diet through 18 weeks of age (WOA) to 42 WOA.3. Antibody titres against infectious bronchitis (IBV) and Newcastle disease (NDV) were measured at six days and six WOA, and plasma FA profile was measured at 18 and 42 WOA.4. Pullets from FFF-fed breeders had higher antibody titres against IBV and NDV than pullets fed DMA (P < 0.05). Feeding FFF to offspring increased plasma ∑n-3 FA at 18 and 42 WOA, whereas feeding DMA to offspring reduced ∑n-6 FA at 18 WOA.5. In conclusion, independent of breeder strain, alpha linoleic acid (ALA) and DHA sources showed varied responses. Feeding breeders FFF increased plasma concentration of antibody titres and n-3 FA whereas DMA reduced plasma concentration of ∑n-6 FA.